Public Works and Utilities

Pierce County Public Works & Utilities recognizes the important ecological functions that wetlands provide and preserves these public resources using the highest standards. Our qualified workforce includes wetland and fish and wildlife biologists, planners, engineers, water quality technicians and work crews. Together we ensure that our projects avoid or minimize adverse effects to wetlands to the greatest extent possible. When avoidance is not entirely possible we compensate for wetland disturbances with compensatory mitigation onsite or in the same vicinity.

The county also coordinates and ensures compliance with the Endangered Species Act, sections 404 and 401 of the Federal Clean Water Act, cultural and archaeological resources regulations, the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, State and National Environmental Policy Acts, air and noise quality standards, forest practices, and other environmental regulations.

The Water Programs Division of Public Works & Utilities specializes in flood control, water quality and the preservation of natural drainage systems, including wetlands and floodplains in the Puget Sound region of Washington State. Water Programs also leads development of an advance wetland mitigation program for Public Works & Utilities and Pierce County Parks Department projects. The South Midland Wetland Reserve is the first advance mitigation site constructed for use in that program.

Other Water Programs Wetlands and Habitat Enhancement Projects:

• Rody Creek Stream Restoration
• Clover Creek Habitat/Floodplain Restoration
• Naches Trail Preserve
• Spanaway Creek Fish Bypass

Public Works & Utilities, Transportation is responsible for designing and constructing county roadways and bridges, and planning, updating, and budgeting the 6-year Transportation Improvement Program and 14-Year Ferry Program. Transportation works diligently to avoid and minimize environmental impacts during construction. Environmental Permitting projects include a wetland banking program administered for the past 14 years by Transportation, stream enhancements and relocations, and Oregon white oak enhancement and mitigation.

Transportation Wetland and Habitat Enhancement Projects:

• Canyon Road East Wetland Mitigation
• Lake Tapps Parkway East Wetland Mitigation
• Foothills Trail Wetland Mitigation
• Marine Mammal Monitoring